SINGAPORE – The day millions of people around the world welcomed the start of the Chinese New Year, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney took to social media to celebrate what has been described as a turning point in Ottawa’s ties with Beijing.

“We’re renewing Canada’s relationship with China,” Mr Carney said on Feb 17, lauding the start of

visa-free travel for Canadians to China

as part of a new strategic partnership between the two countries.